Pontboset: Bridges, Trails and Local History

Get to know Pontboset through its bridges, trails, religious heritage and river activities. The Passeggiata dei sei ponti, the trail to the Ratus Gorge and the Cammino Balteo stage differ in route and access; the views from the Santuario di Retempio and the processions there offer further distinctive experiences.

Bridges and Views in Pontboset

The Passeggiata dei sei ponti is a short loop trail with views of Pontboset’s old bridges and rivers. Most of the bridges on the loop can be seen from points accessible by paved roads. Both the loop and the views from accessible points can help you orient yourself when visiting.

Six Romanesque-style stone bridges are a defining feature of the town’s architectural heritage. They were originally built in the 17th century during the rule of the noble Bard family. The combination of stone structures and river scenery gives the loop trail its distinctive theme; the trail to the Ratus Gorge, by contrast, offers a different perspective on the landscape.

Routes with Different Itineraries

The trail to the Ratus Gorge follows the Ayasse and reaches a long bridge crossing the Brenve below the gorge. The gorge is accessible only on foot via a hiking trail. If you include this route in your plans, note that its access differs from the views of most bridges from points along paved roads.

The Ciclovia Valle di Champorcher e Val Soana and stage 23 of the Cammino Balteo also each follow a different itinerary. The Ciclovia starts in Pontboset’s main village, heads to the municipality of Champorcher and opens out onto the Val Soana at Col Laris. The Cammino Balteo stage starts in Pontboset and passes through Hône, Bard and Donnas on its way to Pont-Saint-Martin. These place names show the destinations and waypoints along each route.

Chapels, Churches and Historic Places

From the Santuario di Retempio, views extend across much of the Champorcher Valley as far as the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa. The sanctuary is a chapel dedicated to Nostra Signora della Visitazione and San Rocco. Processions there take place on 2 July, the feast day of Nostra Signora della Visitazione, and on 16 August for San Rocco. Both begin early in the morning at the parish church and continue to the sanctuary. If you would like to plan your trip around a procession, check the date in advance.

The parish church of San Grato stands at the entrance to the hamlet of Pontboset; its altar and frescoes can be seen there. La Borney offers a different glimpse into rural history: this completely abandoned village consists of about ten houses and an attached church. It lies in an area cleared to create pastureland. An old path of stone steps leads to the village of Barmelle.

Water Activities and Local Traditions

You can kayak along the Ayasse in Pontboset, and canyoning is possible in the waters of the Brenve. Terrisse has a climbing facility for free-climbing enthusiasts. These activities add a range of interests to the trails and historic places, while following different routes and requiring different access.

The chestnut festival is also a long-standing Pontboset tradition and takes place in autumn. No exact current dates are provided; if you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the schedule in advance.

Discover more destinations: Donnas, Verrand, Issime, Coveyrand, Ozein, Pré-Saint-Didier, Gignod, Jovencan.

Return to the regional travel overview: Aosta Valley.